It is a miracle to be pregnant, yet it is so tiring. Hormones change. Aches increase. There is never an end to bathroom visits. Sleep starts to become an impossibility.
This guide will enable you to sleep better using a pregnancy pillow. We’ll show you how to use it in line with your body, sleep pattern, and the stage of your pregnancy.
Using a pillow already? Or are you still deciding which one to purchase? You’ll discover clear answers here.
What Is A Pregnancy Pillow?
And by the way, when it comes to pregnancy pillows, you are not the only one who has never heard about them. Many expectant women discover them when it is already too late in their pregnancies, and wish they had known better before.
The pregnancy pillows are specially designed to support your body during pregnancy. They reduce pressure and boost sleep.
A short time ago, they were only known as full-body pads. The choices available in the past were not vast.
In the modern world, it is not like that. Depending on the diverse needs, variety comes in shape, size, and fashion.
Regardless of whether you would rather sleep on your back, on one side, or on your stomach, there are pillows designed according to your taste. Most of them are available in versions that fit all body types and sleep postures.
These are also left-side sleeping pillows; the doctors recommend sleeping in this position during pregnancy. Sleeping on the left side improves circulation and benefits your unborn fetus.
Regardless of the side you usually sleep on, a pregnancy pillow will guide you towards healthy and comfortable sleep.
At What Point Should You Introduce a Pregnancy Pillow?
There’s no need to delay until a particular week to use a pregnancy pillow. In reality, you can begin using one when you start experiencing discomfort.
Morning sickness, sleeplessness, and constant tiredness are the hallmarks of the first trimester for most women. And in case you belong to the about 80 percent that have to cope with this, then a pregnancy pillow could make your sleep a bit easier.
When one sleeps better, nausea is usually alleviated. A properly rested body can easily deal with changing hormones. A supportive pillow can also reduce the pain caused by sleeping in new positions.
Many women start using a pregnancy pillow at about 20 weeks, once their bellies expand. However, the time to start using one is never quite wrong. From the very first weeks onward, using a supportive pillow can significantly ease any tossing and turning.
Why is a Pregnancy Pillow Worth It?
There are a lot of physical alterations involved in pregnancy. Sleep can be difficult because of such changes. And that is when a pregnancy pillow comes in handy. The pillows are structured to take care of your swollen body. They reduce pain in vital areas, which include your back, hips, and legs. They also ensure that you are kept in a comfortable sleeping position that is not dangerous.
So, what are the significant advantages of using it?
Supportive Comfort
With every expansion of your belly, your body is naturally repositioned. These changes shift your center of gravity. It can also cause back pain, pain in the hip, or sore joints. A pregnancy pillow provides support by relieving pressure in these areas. Meanwhile, it helps your belly, back, and legs. Such support makes it easier to relax. It likewise encourages you to remain on your side in the most beneficial sleep position during pregnancy.
Improved Sleeping Quality
Sleep is a very significant part during pregnancy. Your body requires good rest, as well as healing time. The pain can, however, result in shifting up and down in bed. A pregnancy pillow allows you to spend more time in one position. It reduces the need to readjust at night. Better health is the equivalent of a good night’s sleep. It improves your mood, vitality, and immune protection.
Versatility
Pregnancy pillows are not limited to sleeping purposes. They are also suitable for relaxing on the couch or in bed. Many pillows will come in handy when the baby arrives during feeding (bottle-feeding or breastfeeding). Their lines and shapes provide support to the mom and the baby. A pregnancy pillow is far more than a single purchase; it is useful both during and after birth.
Pregnancy Pillow Types
Various types of pregnancy pillows are available in multiple shapes and sizes. Each of the variations is aimed at addressing a specific support domain. Deciding on the perfect option should reflect how you naturally sleep and the areas that provide the most support.
Let’s consider the most popular variety of pillows.
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The C-shaped pillow curls around your body. It offers comfort to your head, belly, hips, and legs. If you want support across multiple areas, this pillow is for you. You can press the front against you while positioning your back along the curve. This option is ideal for side sleepers searching for full-body comfort without rolling the pillow around.
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The U-shaped pillow simultaneously cradles both sides of your body. It surrounds you in a giant horseshoe shape. This pillow is ideal for people who regularly switch sleeping positions throughout the night. You won’t have to flip the pillow along with you. It likewise helps to maintain proper alignment of your back and hips. This lessens pressure and tends to keep you from tossing and turning.
Wedge Pregnancy Pillow
Wedge pillows are short and highly compact. They occupy very little space on the bed. You can position it beneath your tummy, behind your back, or wedged beneath your knees. It provides targeted support in the area where you need it most. Wedge pillows are terrific for travel or boosting your comfort when sitting. Simple though they are, they prove highly effective.
Full-length (Body) Pillow
A full-length pillow extends from your head to the tips of your feet. You lie on your side and embrace it with your arms. It simultaneously cradles your belly and legs. It likewise helps maintain proper alignment of the spine. This option is perfect for women who prefer to curl up while asleep. Yet it cannot deliver the back-supporting shape that a C- or U-shaped pillow provides.
Hybrid Pregnancy Pillow
The hybrid pillows are a combination of features of several other types of pillows. They commonly sport adjustable components or offer adjustable shapes. The different pieces can be placed to offer body support in various ways. Such advantages are convenient when your comfort requirements change as your pregnancy progresses. Hybrid pillows are normally versatile and on many occasions, they may be worth their money, especially when you are unsure of the type of pillow that will suit you best.
Tips on How to Choose the Ideal Pregnancy Pillow
Choosing the right pregnancy pillow would help you sleep a lot better. Having so many options in front of us, one must understand the features to be considered.
These are some of the few tips you can use to guide your choice.
Take Your Sleeping Position into Account
The way you sleep is essential. If you are used to turning on your side, you might as well give a C-shaped or U-shaped pillow a chance. They furnish support for your belly, legs, and back. Should you usually sleep on your back, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, a wedge pillow is probably your best bet. It also provides caring lift and support, but without much space. Select the pillow that allows you to sleep in your most comfortable sleeping position.
Study Material
The fabric makes all the difference in comfort. Get hypoallergenic pillows. They are sticky and soft cushions; thus, they are gentle to sensitive skin and reduce allergic reactions. Confining yourself in clothes made of cotton or bamboo, or any material that keeps you breathable, can keep you cool during the night. Memory foam is yet another very popular one. It fits around your physique and provides long-lasting, solid support. When eco-conscious, go with pillows that contain organically based or sustainable materials.
Evaluate its Size
Pregnancy pillows are available in various sizes. Some of them are compact and uncomplicated. Others are so large as to take half a bed. Make sure that the pillow works with your bed size and sleeping position. When you are sharing a bed, consider the space to be covered by the pillow. U-shaped pillow support is outstanding, but it is very bulky. Wedge-shaped pillows or any other compact pillows usually fit in a smaller bed or a small space.
Consider Its Future Use
An excellent pregnancy pillow can continue to benefit you well after childbirth. Seek a pillow that can also be a nursing cushion or lounge bolster. After giving birth, numerous women choose to breastfeed to aid postpartum recovery and even set up tummy time for their little ones with the same pillow. Purchasing a versatile pillow is a way to get more value for your money.
Read Reviews
Before making your purchase, see what other mothers are saying. Customer reviews often expose a lot about comfort, durability, and real-world performance. Browse reviews written by women who are at a comparable stage of pregnancy or have comparable sleeping requirements. Focus on remarks concerning support, firmness, and how easy the pillow is to wash. Authentic feedback can guide you toward the right choice and spare you from making mistakes.
Using a Pregnancy Pillow, Trimester by Trimester
First Trimester
Bring in a pregnancy pillow as you feel fatigued or have nausea. A light amount of support can enhance rest and lessen early discomfort. It likewise helps condition your body to sleep on its side from an early stage.
Second Trimester
You will tend to have a swollen belly; ensure your bump has a pillow to reduce the pressure on the lower back. Because side-sleeping becomes more and more vital, find a pillow capable of maintaining your spine in a straight position.
Third Trimester
This is where comfort comes in first. Lie flat on your belly with the knees and back supported by a full body pillow. Such perks will reduce the swelling, improve blood circulation, and reduce hip pain when your body prepares to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I even apply a pregnancy pillow yet I am not pregnant?
Yes, absolutely. Pregnancy pillows are designed to serve expectant mothers and any other person needing extra support. These pillows are effective during the treatment of back pain, the post-surgery recovery, and simple improvements in your sleeping position. Any person who may need some additional support will find it helpful.
When is it preferable to start using a pregnancy pillow?
Whenever you have any discomfort, you can start taking one. Most women wear one during the second trimester, when the belly grows. When you already ache or fail to fall asleep early, just start using one; there is no harm.
Could a pregnancy pillow be carried while traveling?
But again, it depends on the size. Wedge pillows are also specifically portable, and so are their small shapes. Even though they are pretty chunky, U-shaped pillows are perfect for long journeys and when staying away.
Does a pregnancy pillow work postpartum?
Many women are using their pregnancy pillows after birth. They become useful during nursing, relaxing, and simply lying around to make healing easier.
Conclusion
Myriads of pregnancy pillows are on the market, and you might feel overwhelmed choosing one. Learn about your needs first. Consider how you prefer to sleep, what degree of coziness you like, and which areas require the greatest assistance. You should consider the most critical factors: size, material, and versatility.
For a good reason, the popularity of the pregnancy pillow is rising. They provide relaxation, better sleep, and relief from pain and aches. Many mothers still use them long after the pregnancy period. However, it is not limited to moms, as everyone of any age can come to them with back pains, sciatica, and, of course, about better sleep. Choosing the most appropriate pillow is a small choice that might make a significant difference in how you slumber, besides how you feel during pregnancy and in the future.
